THE RIO OLYMPIC Games were officially opened during a ceremony at the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro last night.

It’s the first time the Olympic Games are being staged in South America.

Rio Olympics Jorge Alberto Oliveira Gomes lights the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Silvia Izquierdo Silvia Izquierdo

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony The Olympic flame burns in Maracana Stadium during the opening ceremony AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei de Lima lights the Olympic flame Matthias Schrader Matthias Schrader

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen had a role in the production.

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony David Goldman David Goldman

Some 207 competing teams took part in the Parade of Nations and a refugee team received a standing ovation during the parade.

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Patrick Barnes carries the flag of Ireland David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Team Puerto Rico arrives during the opening ceremony David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Sheng Lei carries the flag China during the opening ceremony Matt Slocum Matt Slocum

The fireworks from Maracana Stadium could be seen across the city.

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Rio Olympic Games 2016 - Opening Ceremony Felipe Dana Felipe Dana

Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Felipe Dana Felipe Dana

Pictures Of The Week Photo Gallery The Mangueira slum is backdropped by fireworks exploding above the Maracana stadium during the opening ceremony of the Rio's 2016 Summer Olympics Leo Correa Leo Correa

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In photos: The opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.